Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

[Ralph 123]

I bought these 2 new magnetic fill screws off iBoats and installed them the other day on my pre-Alphas<br /><br />

<br /><br />I went out boating the other night and today I went to check the screws to make sure there was no water or metal in the drive and the magnetic tips are missing on both of them!!! They both failed right where the tip meets the screw like it wasn't welded properly. <br /><br />Now what? Think they are safe to run? I didn't notice anything the other night but now I have these little tips in there most likely attached to something inside the lower end. <br /><br />The tips are not near the hole as best I can tell. I put a strong magnet on the outside of the screw, put it back in, and took it out but the tip didn't come with it, so it's not likely right by the hole.<br /><br />Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

I can't help much on your problem (a strange one indeed), but just wondering if there was enough clearance inside the hole for the mag part. Could have broke it off screwing it in maybe? <br /> For thoughts on the problem, not much you can do put either tear it down now, or wait, take a chance that nothing will happen (there stuck to something, and probably won't move) and pray a bit. Best of luck with this one

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

No it went in easy and the top of the screw is made sligtly indented in and that's where the mag tip is attached and where it broke. It definetly was not sheared off. Nearly 100% positive they are defective otherwise what ever borke it off would have to somehow shear it off w/o touching the screw which is impossible.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

tear the drive down and find the parts. if they go between a gear set its done. will self destruct right now you will be out a seal kit and some time. far cheaper than a case and a gear set and seal kits

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

I know that's the answer but Unfortunately its 2 of them. I was hoping someone would convince me it would be ok based on experience or something... It's too nice today though. I'm gonna chance it and get out as soon as the tide comes in a little...

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

Doesn't anyone make a snakelike magnet? The case is not steel. I would think a magnet would find another magnet if you could get close enough. Maybe a long shot but...Just my $.02...........J

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

I tried that. Had a nice small one. Put it in and fished around found nothing. My cousin the mechanic thinks that they (the mag part) are made from really soft metal and were probably already pulvirized the first time out with them on.

 

[lowshovel1]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

I think I would go to where you bought them,take a hammer and see just how soft the magnets are before you waste gears and money!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

As far as I can remember, magnets are very brittle, and when going between the gears MIGHT shatter. Best bet (I know you might not want to do this again) is put in another mag screw and run it for a bit on the muffs, and see what ya collect

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

Ya know, rereading your post, you say "pre-Alphas".....and ya bought 2..............does this mean you have the same problem in BOTH drives?

 

[NateCCIE]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

Ya know, rereading your post, you say "pre-Alphas".....and ya bought 2..............does this mean you have the same problem in BOTH drives?

I know that's the answer but Unfortunately its 2 of them

I guess so

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

Yup happened with both... must be defective glue or something... I bought them from iBoats and they are made by Sierra. Tides coming in... I'll post results later tonight... I'm not wasting this day. It's rained for like 3 days straight and is 89 and sunny right now...

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

I survived... Must either be stuck to something or pulverized. They'll need to be torn down...

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Magnetic tips of drive fill screws missing!!!

Its not too much work/$ to yank the front guts and look it (them ) over. Wish ya the best in this, and as an aside, no more mag drains in my stuff, period. Easier and cheaper to do frequent oil changes/inspections. Good luck